Chino council approves ordinance changes to fireworks rules; wholesalers to maintain central July 4 drop‑off point

The Chino City Council on Feb. 18 introduced and approved an ordinance (No. 2025‑001) amending Chapter 8.12 of the Chino Municipal Code to strengthen operational rules for temporary fireworks sales and to require wholesalers to maintain a central drop‑off location within the city from 9 p.m. July 4 until noon July 5.

Sylvia Avalos, director of community services, parks and recreation, told the council the Community Services Parks and Recreation Commission recommended changes and that staff, after meeting with booth operators and fireworks wholesalers, proposed an amendment to Section 8.12.130 requiring a central drop‑off location and changes to Section 8.12.110 to clarify the duties and responsibilities of a watchman at temporary sales sites.

Troy Stevens, a local booth operator, thanked the council and staff for holding a coordination meeting that included operators and wholesalers and said it helped reach a compromise that treated nonprofit operators’ needs and public‑safety concerns.

Councilmembers praised the outreach and asked staff to continue annual reviews of operations and to monitor how the new rules work during the next sales season. Councilmember Mark noted social‑media reports that Chino residents sometimes purchase fireworks elsewhere to avoid a 10% charge the city applies; he suggested the city consider lowering that charge in a future conversation.

Councilmember Lucio moved to introduce the ordinance and waive further reading; Mayor Pro Tem Burton seconded the motion. The ordinance was read by title only and adopted unanimously.